Pakistan has approved a major road project that will establish a new and modern highway connecting Mansehra to the Chinese border. The development marks a strategic step toward improving trade, tourism, and mobility in the northern region. The project was approved during a National Highway Authority meeting chaired by the Federal Minister for Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan.
The new highway, known as N15, will serve as an alternative to the Karakoram Highway. It will offer safer and faster travel to the northern areas while also supporting economic links with China. Government officials said the route will also ensure year-round accessibility, even in harsh winter conditions when travel usually becomes challenging.
A New Route Through the Northern Corridor
According to the details shared by the National Highway Authority, the highway will pass through Mansehra, Naran, Jhalakhand, and Chilas. This route is expected to significantly reduce travel time while providing a smoother and more reliable journey for both locals and visitors.
Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan highlighted the importance of the new project for Pakistan’s economy. He said the highway will support trade, national defense needs, and tourism throughout the year. He added that the speed limit will generally range between 60 and 80 km per hour to accommodate both commercial vehicles and regular travelers.
The project’s design includes modern engineering standards that aim to make the route suitable for heavy traffic. The N15 will be constructed with future needs in mind. Officials confirmed that most of the highway will feature a four-lane design so that commercial and tourist activity can continue to grow over the coming decades.
N15 highway Pakistan China route
Along the route, the government plans to introduce new facilities to support local development. These include resorts, hotels, lakes, and shopping areas. The facilities will be established under a public private partnership model, allowing private investors to contribute to the region’s economic growth. Authorities hope these additions will increase tourism and create jobs in the northern areas.
Economic experts believe the N15 will provide a strong boost to trade opportunities. By offering a faster and more dependable route to the Chinese border, the project will improve the movement of goods and reduce transportation costs. This will help Pakistan strengthen its connection with regional markets, especially in Central Asia. The new road is also expected to enhance defense logistics by providing a secure and efficient passage for strategic transportation.
Government officials briefed the minister about the feasibility study and technical requirements for the project. They confirmed that the N15 will be built under strict international standards. The construction plan includes measures to ensure road safety, protect the environment, and create long lasting infrastructure.
Work on the project is expected to begin soon, with a completion target of two years. The Communications Ministry stated that the N15 will play an important role in meeting Pakistan’s long term transportation and economic needs. It is expected to become a central part of future development in the northern region.
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As Pakistan continues to upgrade its highway network, the N15 stands out as one of the most significant additions. With its potential to promote trade, tourism, and regional connectivity, it represents a major investment in the country’s infrastructure. The government believes this modern link between Mansehra and the Chinese border will support economic growth and open new opportunities for communities along the route.
